The Lightless Beacon - A Beginner Demo for Call of Cthulhu
Call of Cthulhu | One-Shot
About the adventure
The Lightless Beacon is designed as a two hour demo scenario for players that want to start their descent into madness with the Call of Cthulhu tabletop roleplaying game. The characters will be thrust right into the action as they emerge shipwrecked on an island just off the coast of Massachusetts in 1926. This game is completely beginner-friendly. Zero experience is necessary, all rules will be explained during play, and pre-generated characters will be provided.
5.0
(21)
Less than a year on StartPlaying
12 games hosted
Highly rated for: Teacher, Creativity, Knows the Rules
Game Master Reviews (21)
Proficiencies
Players say this GM is great at:
Teacher
Creativity
Knows the Rules
Ellie
Fantastic GM! Was super helpful in teaching us Call of Cthulhu as we played. Also loved that they had a bunch of handouts that helped with immersion.
Deb
Derek was really organized and prepared. He made me feel comfortable coming back to RPGs after being away for many, many years. He also made good use of the technology without it being a blocker to the experience. Highly recommended
Chris Freeley
Did a fantastic job teaching the game and allowing us to be creative in what our characters did. Used visual and audio aids to enhance the experience. Told a great story that really creeped me out at times.
Clovis
Played 1 sessions
Had a great time playing in Derek's game!
Nate
Played 4 sessions
A rule of cool leaning GM who likes player creativity and doesn’t mind revising things on the fly to benefit the story that is unfolding. Knows the scenario inside out so they aren’t pausing to read things in the background in real time, but are present and active. Takes good notes so they can summarize well, and does little extra things to help players keep things straight like writing out the names of NPCs in the chat window. I will happily play in another of their games in the future.
Reuben
Played 1 sessions
Wonderful experience. Was patient with me learning the game, and roll20. Had a strong understanding of the rules, and kept the game moving, and entertaining. I would have easily paid double for what he charged for his game. I currently follow him on this site, and can't wait for the next game.
Additional details
How to prepare
Players should have a Discord and Roll20 account prior to the game. Links will be sent to join a Discord Server and the Roll20 game session. All players need mics and a computer capable of running Roll20.
What I provide
The game will utilize the virtual tabletop Roll20, it requires players to make a free account prior to the game. It will be used for characters sheets, rolls, visuals, ambient music, and handouts. All rules will be taught before and during play. No experience necessary and you do not need to read any rules before showing up.
Gameplay details
X, N, O Cards - can be placed in on-screen text chat (either in the group chat or directly to me), no explanation required. Debrief—The Gamemaster (me) will remain in the voice chat after the game to debrief with players, including (but not limited to) content concerns, explanations of game mechanics, and any further questions regarding the demo.
Content warnings
• Drowning
• Blood
• Character Death
• Death
• Language/Cursing
• Mutilation of Corpses
• Violence
• PTSD
Safety tools used
• Debriefing
• X, N, and O Cards
How will character creation work
Pre-generated characters will be provided to the players. These characters are already built into Roll20 (the virtual tabletop program that will be used). Discord will be used for video (if desired) and voice chat.
Players can expect
Combat / Tactics
Medium
Roleplay
Medium
Puzzles
Low
Experience level
Open to all
Platforms used
• Discord
• Roll20
Free
Each player will be charged when a session starts.
Details
Once / Friday - 1:00 AM UTC
Nov 15
2-3 Hour duration
4 / 4 Seats filled
Schedule
Requirements
Experience required: Open to all
Age: 18+